Shelby Township Dental Office Explains HPV and Oral Cancer
HPV or Human Papillomavirus has been a popular topic around the dental circle which is due to it’s relation to oral cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer, or cancer of the back of the tongue and tonsils, used to be usually affiliated with smoking and drinking alcohol, however, lately this kind of cancer has been connected to HPV. So what exactly is HPV and just how is it prevented?
What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus or HPV is an std which can present itself in over 100 variations. It is estimated that about three fourths of people who are sexually active will have had HPV in their lifetime. Often, there aren’t any signs and symptoms of HPV and after about two years, the body can naturally eliminate the virus. Nevertheless, there are types of HPV that can cause cancer or warts and these types of HPV are viewed as “high risk”. These high risk strains are known to cause cervical cancer in females and oral cancer in both men and women.
Protection against HPV
Since HPV is sexually transmitted, prevention is best attained by abstaining from sexual activity, which includes oral sex, or practicing safe sex. Additionally there is a vaccination available that has been approved by the FDA for women aged 9 to 26 years old called Gardasil. Always be certain to think about the risks involved and take care to help reduce your risk of acquiring HPV and possibly oral cancer.
Oral Cancer and HPS Advanced Dental Care
Oral cancer is something which we look for in every patient here at HPS Advanced Dental Care. An oral cancer screening consisting of visual checking and palpitations to the head, neck and oral cavity is performed at each checkup. As part of your routine dental exam, we make certain to look for any unusual sores, white or red patches, lumps or thickening of the skin on the inside of the mouth, earaches, bleeding, soreness of the jaw or throat, problems with swallowing or speech, and proper fitting of dentures. Typically, oral cancer presents on the tongue, bottom of the mouth, and soft palate tissues on the lips and gums and back of the tongue. If you are suffering from any constant soreness, swelling in your mouth or neck, white or red patches on your mouth or lips, bleeding in your throat or mouth, problems swallowing or constant hoarseness, visit your dentist right away. If caught in the early stages, oral cancer has a high survival rate, so be sure to see your dentist routinely.
Shelby Township Dental Office Explains HPV and Oral Cancer
If you have any additional questions regarding HPV and oral cancer, please visit our website midentalwellness.com or call our office at (248) 652-0024.
